'Faith Too Strong To Be Shaken': Tirupati Laddoos Sales Remain Unaffected Amid Animal Fat Allegations

Amid the controversy over the alleged use of animal fat in Tirupati laddoos, the sale of the prasad at the Sri Venkateshwara Temple in Andhra Pradesh remained unaffected, with over 1.4 million laddoos sold in the past four days, averaging around 350,000 sales daily.

According to the temple administration, a total of 359,000 laddoos were sold on September 19, 317,000 on September 20; 367,000 on September 21, and 360,000 on September 22, NDTV reported.

Over 300,000 laddoos are prepared at the temple every day. Pilgrims visiting the temple purchase them in large quantities, often to share with friends and relatives.

While addressing the allegations, one devotee responded, “Our faith is too strong to be shaken.” Several other devotees also noted that the controversy over Tirupati laddoos is now a “thing of the past.”

TYPES OF LADDOOS OFFERED AT TIRUMALA

Three types of laddoos are typically prepared and offered as prasad at Tirupati: Asthanam Laddoo, Kalyanotsavam Laddoo, and Proktham Laddoo.

Asthanam Laddoos are made for special festive occasions and are often distributed to distinguished guests, including Presidents and Prime Ministers from India and other countries. Each Asthanam Laddoo weighs approximately 750 grams.

Kalyanotsavam Laddoos are given to those who participate in the Kalyanotsavam, a special religious ritual performed for Lord Malayappa and his consorts amid the chanting of Vedic hymns. They are also offered during the Arjitha Seva Grihastas, held every Saturday, during which flowers are offered and the Samavedan is recited.

Proktham Laddoos are smaller in size and are distributed to all pilgrims at the Tirumala Temple, weighing around 175 grams each.

WHAT’S THE CONTROVERSY?

This new development comes after a political row that erupted when Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu alleged that animal fat was used in the laddoos during the previous government led by Chief Minister Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy.

In response, Jagan dismissed the allegations, asserting that no violations happened during his administration and labeling the controversy as unwarranted.

The YSRCP chief had accused Naidu of using religion for political gain and insulting Lord Venkateshwara Swamy. He claimed that Naidu’s allegations of ghee adulteration in Tirupati prasadam laddoos were an attempt to distract from his first 100 days of governance in Andhra Pradesh.